How to watch DirecTV Stream outside the US with a VPN

Want to watch DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV Now) outside the US? DIRECTV STREAM is region-locked. As a result, it is only available in the US. Luckily, with a VPN you can stream DIRECTV STREAM without restriction on vacation, be it in Canada, the UK, Europe, or Australia.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN is an online privacy tool that encrypts your device’s internet traffic and routes it to a server in a remote location. To set up a VPN for DIRECTV STREAM, you need to download a VPN client, choose a server in America, and connect.

This will give you a US IP address, allowing you to watch DIRECTV STREAM and other streaming services abroad. This versatility makes a VPN an incredibly useful tool, ensuring your freedom of access to a wide range of services while you’re traveling abroad.

Short on time? Here’s a rapid rundown of the top VPNs for DIRECTV STREAM, ready to provide you with immediate access outside the USA.

Best VPNs for DIRECTV STREAM:

  1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for DirecTV STREAM and DirectTV Now. Over 1,600 servers in the US. Works with AT&T TV Now, Netflix, and more streaming sites. Highly secure with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for DirecTV Stream.
  2. Surfshark: BBest budget VPN for DirecTV. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Great access to geo-restricted services on any streaming device. User-friendly service with 24/7 chat and strict no-logs policy.
  3. IPVanish: US-based VPN service with servers in 15 US cities to Stream DirecTV and other sites like Amazon and Netflix. Uses encryption to protect your data. Unlimited devices supported.
  4. ExpressVPN: High-speed VPN service that’s great for streaming your favorite content. Works with DirectTV Now and other platforms. Consistent data connections and an impressive selection of apps.
  5. CyberGhost: Vast network of servers. Fast speeds for streaming sites like DirecTV. Secure up to 7 devices simultaneously. Easy-to-use apps and safe with encryption and a no-logs policy.
  6. PrivateVPN: Fast and premium VPN service for securely accessing DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix. Beginner-friendly apps, up to 6 simultaneous connections, and a high level of security.
  7. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 27 US cities for watching geo-restricted services like DirecTV abroad. Easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support. Secures your device with encryption.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for DirecTV Stream
Warning

Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN FOR DIRECTV RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for DirecTV STREAM without limits or restrictions for a month – great if you want to stream DirecTV abroad.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How to watch DIRECTV STREAM outside the US with a VPN

Setting up a VPN is simple, even if you’ve never used one before. Follow this step-by-step guide to watch DirecTV outside the USA with a VPN.

Here’s how to watch DIRECTV STREAM online from anywhere using a VPN:

  1. Sign up for a VPN service with servers in the United States – we particularly recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the appropriate VPN app for your device. All of the best VPNs offer apps for desktop and mobile devices.
  3. Clear your browser cache and cookies. This ensures that DirecTV forgets your location and accepts the US IP address provided by the VPN.
  4. Open your VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in the US to obtain a US IP address for unblocking DirecTV Stream.
  5. Sign in to DirecTV and select your preferred on-demand content, which should now be unblocked.

If you’re having trouble watching DirecTV Stream outside the US, even when connected to a VPN, we have a few suggestions. First, be sure to clear your cookies each time you connect to a new server before trying DirecTV again. Trying more than one server is another potential fix in case the IP address you’re using has been blacklisted. Last but not least, it may be worth contacting your VPN’s customer support for further help.

Best VPNs for watching DIRECTV STREAM outside the US

So how are you supposed to go about choosing a VPN to unblock DirectTV abroad? We know that there are many VPNs to choose from. That’s why we’ve only selected VPNs that can provide the following:

  • Multiple servers across the US
  • Fast and reliable data connections for streaming DirecTV Stream
  • Secure with encryption and kill switch feature
  • Strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy
  • Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile
  • Customer support available via live chat and email

For more information on how we recommend VPNs, check out our VPN testing methodology.

Best VPNs for DIRECTV STREAM – Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for DIRECTV STREAM.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNHotspot Shield
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comIPVanish.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPrivateVPN.comHotspotshield.com
Ranking for DIRECTV STREAM:1234567
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps74 Mbps100+ Mbps
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%85%86%85%85%85%
Simultaneous Connections10UnlimitedUnlimited8710Up to 10
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Smart TVs, Routers
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 73% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months
$2.19
Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
$2.99
SAVE 77% ON THE 3 YEAR PLAN

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch DIRECTV STREAM (formerly known as AT&T TV Now and AT&T Watch) from outside the US:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Oct 2024 works with DirecTVTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best option if you want a VPN to stream DirecTV Stream outside the US. The reason for this is that NordVPN has around 1,900 servers in the United States. Indeed, it has one of the largest networks of servers of any VPN with more than 6,200 in 111 countries. This means you’ll be able to securely access all sorts of services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Better still, NordVPN offers great value, letting you connect up to 10 supported devices simultaneously.

Having tested out the NordVPN apps for ourselves, we can say that this service is great for beginners. We particularly like that NordVPN offers specialty servers for even stronger security. There are servers designed for accessing Tor over VPN, getting a dedicated IP address, and browsing from countries with strict censorship. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, provides protection from DNS leaks, and has a kill switch. What’s more, this service has a strict zero-logs policy.

NordVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also offered. Manual setup is required for routers.

Pros:

  • 1,900 US servers for DirecTV Stream
  • Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
  • Strong security with the option of specialty servers
  • Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • User-friendly apps and browser extensions for beginners

Cons:

  • Connecting via desktop apps can take a while

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR DIRECTV STREAM:NordVPN has over 1,900 servers in the US and more than 6,200 worldwide. Works with DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now), Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Features 24/7 support and allows up to 10 connections. Protects your privacy with encryption and no logs policy. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

NordVPN Coupon
Up to 73% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

2. Surfshark

Surfshark works with DirecTVTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has servers in at least 24 US cities, which is far more than most VPNs. This makes it easy to find a fast, reliable server for streaming DirecTV from anywhere in the world. Indeed, this VPN also works with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and HBO, among other popular streaming content services. However, one of the standout features of Surfshark is that it lets you connect an unlimited number of compatible devices simultaneously which is perfect for sharing with family.

If you’re new to using a VPN, you’ll appreciate Surfshark’s beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions. There are plenty of interesting features available including double VPN servers for improved privacy and an ad and malware blocker. Surfshark uses 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data. There’s also a kill switch and protection from DNS leaks. This is a no-logs VPN service that allows you to pay in cryptocurrency to protect your anonymity.

You can use Surfshark to watch DirecTV Stream via the apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also download Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Manual configuration is required for Linux and routers.

Pros:

  • Servers in at least 24 US cities — far more than most VPNs
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections per account
  • Very strong security package with encryption and no-logs policy
  • Accepts 3 types of cryptocurrencies

Cons:

  • Customer support could be improved

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you want simultaneously. It has servers across 24 US cities and works reliably with DirecTV and Netflix. Very easy-to-use apps, a low price, and 24/7 live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark Coupon
Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

3. IPVanish

IPVanish works with DirecTVTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is a US-based VPN service that is able to unblock DirecTV abroad. It offers over 1,900 servers, with a good selection in the United States. The US-based servers of IPVanish are spread across some 15 US cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. IPVanish states that it offers unlimited access and this is apparent in the fast speeds you’ll experience when browsing and streaming. This VPN is known to be particularly easy to use with Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick / Fire TV.

Best of all, IPVanish allows you to connect as many devices as you like (most VPNs allow 3-6). Its apps are simple enough to use though live chat support is offered should you need it. IPVanish ticks all of the boxes when it comes to security, protecting your data with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and zero-logs policy.

IPVanish provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is needed in the case of Linux and routers.

Pros:

  • US-based VPN service with lots of servers in the US
  • Works with DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix US
  • Easy to use with Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV
  • Secures data with encryption and protects privacy with no-logs policy
  • Allows an unlimited number of connections

Cons:

  • No option to pay in Bitcoin/cryptocurrency
  • Doesn’t offer any browser extensions

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

SERVERS IN 15 US CITIES:IPVanish has plenty of servers in the US in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Unlimited bandwidth makes it easy to watch DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now). Allows any number of internet connections via a single account. Keeps you safe online with encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

IPVanish Coupon
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN works with DirecTVTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is great for watching DirecTV outside the US. This is thanks to its combination of speed and security. ExpressVPN has a vast network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including the US. We’ve tested ExpressVPN’s servers extensively and found them to be perfect for streaming movies and TV shows in high definition. We’ve also found that the VPN connection almost never drops. Indeed, ExpressVPN guarantees 99.9% uptime.

What makes ExpressVPN stand out from many of its rivals is its impressive array of apps. Aside from offering user-friendly apps for desktop and mobile, it also has MediaStreamer, a smart DNS proxy service that allows you to use the VPN with select smart TVs and game consoles. Another reason to choose ExpressVPN is its fast and efficient live chat support, which is available 24/7, allowing you to get help in a matter of seconds.

The best VPNs can unblock geo-restricted content, such as DirecTV while keeping you safe online. ExpressVPN is no exception. It secures your data with 256-bit AES encryption and provides DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. ExpressVPN offers a kill switch, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy, so your privacy is in good hands. It’s even possible to sign up for the service anonymously by using a throwaway email address and paying in Bitcoin.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.

Pros:

  • Fast servers for consistent streaming of DirecTV Stream
  • Servers in 94 countries for unblocking content worldwide
  • Important security features such as encryption and no-logs policy
  • Excellent customer service with 24/7 support via live chat

Cons:

  • Quite expensive compared to other popular VPNs

Our score:

4 out of 5

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice. for streaming DirecTV, with both speed and security. Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Wide range of user-friendly apps, 24/7 support, and excellent security with encryption. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Coupon
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
Get Deal >
Coupon applied automatically

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost works with DirecTVTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a vast network of over 7,400 servers, over 1,100 of which are in the US. When you combine this with the high data speeds offered, CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for watching DirecTV abroad. We’ve tested CyberGhost with a wide range of content and found it offers high-quality performance with little to no downtime. It’s worth mentioning that you can secure up to seven supported devices with CyberGhost, which is more than most VPNs allow.

You’ll find that CyberGhost offers a variety of user-friendly apps. These are easy to navigate and therefore, well-suited to those using a VPN for the first time. The CyberGhost apps include several features such as an ad-blocker and malware-scanner. CyberGhost offers a high level of security with 256-bit AES encryption and DNS and IP leak protection. An automatic kill switch ensures your internet traffic is cut in the event of the VPN connection dropping. Last but not least, there’s a strict no-logs policy.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Android, Mac, Linux, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, and Android TV. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Routers require manual configuration.

Pros:

  • More than 1,000 servers in the US for watching DirecTV Stream
  • Fast and reliable service for browsing and streaming
  • Strict no-logs policy keeps your personal information private
  • User-friendly apps with plenty of easy-to-activate features

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China or the UAE

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

AMAZING VALUE:CyberGhost has fast and reliable connections for streaming DirecTV abroad. It has apps that are easy to use and allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. Security features include a kill switch and a no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost Coupon
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN works with DirecTVTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN service with around 200 servers. However, this service offers very high speeds and allows you to connect to 10 different US cities including Las Vegas and New York. PrivateVPN is one of the better VPNs when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. In fact, it not only lets you watch DirecTV outside the US but also allows you to securely access major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

You can use this service to protect up to six compatible devices simultaneously via a single account. Offering easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile, this VPN is very accessible. PrivateVPN offers security in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6 leak protection, Stealth mode (for using the service in places where VPNs are usually blocked), and a kill switch. This VPN service is headquartered in Sweden and states that it operates a zero data-logging policy.

PrivateVPN offers apps for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). Manual setup is necessary for Linux and routers.

Pros:

  • High-speed servers for streaming DirecTV content
  • Perfect for streaming
  • Connect up to 6 devices via a single account
  • Apps and very easy for beginners to use

Cons:

  • Relatively small network of servers
  • Doesn’t offer any browser extensions

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

HIGH SPEED STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast and ideal for DirecTV Stream as well as Netflix. Its apps are easy to use, and it allows you to connect up to 6 supported devices. It includes all of the essential security features including encryption, kill switch, and no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

PrivateVPN Coupon
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield works with DirecTVTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has a network of more than 1,800 servers. Just as impressive, it has server locations in 27 US cities including Los Angeles and New York. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a server to stream DirecTV abroad. It offers very good speeds for streaming services without buffering issues and lag. It’s possible to secure up to five devices simultaneously via a single Hotspot Shield account.

While this VPN service is beginner-friendly, it includes 24/7 live chat support which makes it easy to troubleshoot any potential problems. Security-wise, Hotspot Shield protects your privacy through its use of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and features such as a kill switch. It’s also worth knowing that it doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified such as IP addresses.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows. It can be manually configured for use with supported routers.

Pros:

  • Offers servers across 27 US cities for watching DirecTV Stream
  • Fast, consistent speeds for browsing and streaming video
  • Provides 24/7 live chat support
  • Security includes encryption and a kill switch

Cons:

  • Some past privacy concerns
  • Doesn’t offer support for Linux

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

SERVERS IN 27 US CITIES:Hotspot Shield unblocks DirecTV and has lots of high-speed servers in the US. Also works with Netflix. Includes 24/7 live chat support and uses encryption to keep your data secure. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Hotspot Shield Coupon
SAVE 77% ON THE 3 YEAR PLAN
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

Our DirecTV VPN Methodology

The online marketplace is saturated with VPNs that are competing for your business. There are around 100 different consumer-facing VPNs available, but they were not all created equally. Many VPNs offer a substandard service while claiming to be the best. This makes it hard for consumers to pick a VPN that is suitable for their needs.

At Comparitech, our experts use a precise methodology to test and compare market-leading VPNs. We look under the hood to see how each VPN implements its security and test VPN apps for leaks to find out whether they are working as advertised. We also check each VPN’s performance to see whether it is suitable for playing games, streaming, and other data-intensive tasks.

Our VPN testing method has been perfected over many years, giving our experts the ability to understand the nuances between VPNs and to recommend services for specific use cases (such as watching DirecTV) with confidence.

For added transparency, we have included some of the key features we looked for when recommending the best VPNs for DirecTV below:

  1. Reliable apps for all platforms. We check the VPN apps to ensure we only recommend VPNs with strong encryption, and plenty of useful security features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, AES encryption, obfuscation, ad blocking, and malware filtering.
  2. Ease of use. VPN apps should be well-designed and should not create a barrier to entry for beginners even when they have a wide choice of advanced features. We recommend VPNs that explain their features clearly, label everything properly, and provide excellent resources and support to help with setting up and using the VPN.
  3. A large server network. To watch DirecTV STREAM you require fast servers in the US that haven’t been blocked by the popular TV provider. We look for VPNs that have these servers, as well as a global server network that gives you the freedom to access a wide choice of international services.
  4. Excellent accessibility. Most VPNs fall short when it comes to accessing popular online services from abroad. We try to recommend as many VPNs that work to watch Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and other services that are known for successfully blocking VPNs.
  5. Advanced features. We search for VPNs that represent outstanding value for money by giving you a wide choice of privacy and security features at a fair price. Extra points for advanced features such as split tunneling, port forwarding, multi-hop, ad blocking, and Tor over VPN.

Can I use a free VPN to watch DIRECTV STREAM outside the US?

Free VPNs won’t work with DirecTV, this is because streaming platforms make every effort to block VPNs and free VPN providers don’t have the time or capital to stay one step ahead.

In addition, we don’t recommend free VPNs for many reasons. In particular, free VPNs are very slow because they have too many users and not enough servers. This results in high levels of server congestion. This makes streaming DirecTV frustrating due to buffering.

It’s not just performance issues that plague free VPNs, either. When it comes to security, free VPNs are rarely fit for purpose.  In many cases, your data is not secured with robust encryption. And the VPN apps lack important security features such as a kill switch. Additionally, some free VPNs knowingly breach your privacy by keeping logs and selling your data to third parties.

Why has AT&T TV Now changed its name?

In August of 2021, AT&T finalized a deal in which it spun off DIRECTV, U-Verse, and AT&T TV (including AT&T TV Now and AT&T TV Watch) into a separate entity. The deal involved selling a 30% stake of the business to the private equity firm TPG Capital. AT&T retains a 70% stake in the new standalone firm.

The new company, which is called DirecTV, has now taken over all of AT&T TV’s operations. As a result of the shake-up, the new corporation has decided to close down all its former TV streaming services. For this reason, the new business has rebranded its streaming platform with the name DIRECTV STREAM.

DirecTV Stream will now replace all the other iterations of AT&T’s online streaming TV services. It will be available in three different plans starting at $69.99 per month plus tax. The most expensive plan (the Ultimate Package) will cost $94.99 and will include 130+ channels including regional sports networks.

HBO Max is included with a DirecTV Stream Choice and Ultimate package for the first three months. Following that t must be bundled as an extra for an additional $10 per month.

Why am I getting a DirecTV location error?

One problem some users have when trying to watch DirecTV Stream abroad is that they’re asked to enable location data on their device. The problem is that this can override the VPN connection, providing your true location and blocking the content as a result. In this case, you may see a message that looks like this:

DirecTV Now location error

We couldn’t figure out your location, which is required for streaming this program. Please try again.”

If this is happening to you, you may be out of luck. To bypass such restrictions, you’d need to find a way to spoof your location such as with a GPS spoofing app. It may simply be better to find a service without such strict geo-restrictions. If you do go ahead, exercise caution as GPS spoofing can have a negative impact on other apps.

Can I use a smart DNS proxy to watch DirecTV abroad?

Yes, some smart DNS proxy services will unblock DirecTV Stream, however VPNs are often more reliable. A smart DNS proxy monitors DNS requests sent from your device and sends the browser traffic for that request to an appropriate server (in this case a server in the US). One of the advantages of a smart DNS proxy is that it can be used on a wider range of devices than a VPN.

For example, DirecTV is available on devices such as Apple TV and Samsung Smart TV. Most VPNs don’t support such devices, which is where a smart DNS proxy stands out. On the other hand, setting up a smart DNS proxy can be more complicated. We recommend ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, a smart DNS proxy service that lets you unblock geo-restricted content without encrypting your online traffic, minimizing speed loss.

What can I watch on DirecTV Stream?

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV Now) offers a wide range of live and on-demand content from traditional cable channels. Some of the entertainment channels include:

DIRECTV STREAM FAQ

What's the difference between AT&T TV and AT&T TV Now?

AT&T TV and AT&TV Now have now both been deprecated and replaced by DirecTV Stream. Thus, you can no longer subscribe to either service.

Until the recent shake-up, AT&T TV was a cable-like service that came with a set-top box. It requires you to commit to a two-year contract while there is also a one-time activation fee. In contrast, AT&T TV Now was a contract-free streaming service. Available month-to-month, AT&T TV Now was cancelable anytime and wasn’t tied to any physical hardware.

Are AT&T TV and DirecTV Now the same?

Yes, AT&T TV Now was the rebranded version of DirecTV Now. The move was announced in July 2019 as AT&T looked to streamline its services under its own brand. Aside from needing to accept the new terms of service, there was no change for DirecTV subscribers.

As of August 2021, however, both of those services have been discontinued, and DirecTV has again rebranded its service as DirecTV Stream.

Is it legal to connect to DirecTV via a VPN?

Most countries don’t have laws specifically against using a VPN to access geo-restricted content. However, as DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV Now) is only usually available in the US, doing so almost certainly violates its terms of service. Still, even if DirecTV realizes you’re using a VPN, it’ll most likely just ask you to disconnect before streaming.

Note: We are tech experts but cannot possibly claim to understand every country’s digital copyright laws. Nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. If you have any doubt about the legality of using a VPN, we recommend researching local laws for yourself beforehand.

What devices can I watch DirecTV Stream on?

There are plenty of ways to watch DirecTV Stream. This service has apps for Android, iOS, Apple TV, select Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV / Firestick, Roku, and Chromecast. Technically, it’s accessible via any internet-connected device since you can always watch on the website too.

How do I watch the NFL on DirecTV Stream?

If your local channels offer NFL games, you’ll be able to watch them on DirecTV Stream. However, in order to watch NFL games that aren’t available in your market due to licensing, you’ll need to connect to a VPN server in another city. This allows you to change your IP address and make it look as if you’re streaming from that location.

Can I watch local TV channels on DirecTV Stream?

Yes, you can watch local TV channels on DirecTV Stream, including major networks like FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, and PBS. However, availability depends on your location. To see which local channels you can get, DirecTV Stream offers a tool on its website where you can enter your ZIP code.

If you find that some channels are not available through DirecTV Stream, we recommend considering the use of a digital antenna. This can provide you with free local broadcasts, offering an alternative solution to ensure you can access your favorite local channels. Digital antennas are easy to install and can provide a reliable signal, giving you access to even more local channels than DirecTV Stream may offer in your area.

If you’re experiencing difficulty accessing local channels, remember that you have control over your settings. Try updating your billing address and ensuring that location services are on. This simple step may be the key to unlocking all of your favorite local channels.

Can I use a smart DNS proxy to watch DirecTV Stream abroad?

Yes, some smart DNS proxy services will unblock DirecTV Stream. However, VPNs are often more reliable. A smart DNS proxy monitors DNS requests sent from your device and sends the browser traffic for that request to an appropriate server (in this case a server in the US). One of the advantages of a smart DNS proxy is that it can be used on a wider range of devices than a VPN.

For example, DirecTV Stream is available on devices such as Apple TV and Samsung Smart TV. Most VPNs don’t support such devices, which is where a smart DNS proxy stands out. On the other hand, setting up a smart DNS proxy can be more complicated.

What can I watch on DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream offers a wide range of live and on-demand content from traditional cable channels. Some of the entertainment channels include:

How much does DirecTV Stream cost?

DirecTV Stream plans start at $69.99 USD per month for 75 channels but can go as high as $154.99 per month if you’d like around 150 channels instead. It’s worth noting that these prices don’t include any of the optional add-ons, such as channel packs or Epic, Showtime, or Starz subscriptions (each of which is an additional $11 each month).

There is some good news, though. Customers aren’t asked to sign up without knowing what they’re getting since there’s a five-day free trial. We’d recommend setting a reminder just in case since DirecTV Stream will automatically bill you for $75 after your trial ends.

Will a VPN slow down my connection too much to stream live TV?

While a VPN can cause a slight decrease in connection speeds, it shouldn’t be enough to prevent you from streaming live TV. Premium VPNs prioritize fast connection speeds and have a vast network of servers, ensuring you can stream content without buffering or lag. In addition, these high-quality VPNs use advanced technologies, such as optimized server connections and high-speed protocol optimizations, to maintain a fast and stable connection for streaming live TV.

Choosing a server close to your physical location helps reduce any speed loss, as the closer the server, the faster your connection will be. Additionally, some VPNs offer specific streaming-optimized servers that are designed to deliver the best possible speeds for streaming content.

Remember that factors such as your internet service provider, the original speed of your connection, and network congestion can also impact your streaming experience. However, by selecting a top-tier VPN with a proven track record of delivering fast and reliable connection speeds, you should be able to enjoy live TV streaming without any significant issues.